Sweden
General train travel information for SWEDEN. Rail travel tours, accommodation, sightseeing.
Brief History
In 1856, the first passenger rail line between Stockholm and Gothenburg opened, marking the beginning of the Swedish passenger rail era.
In 1887, the state established the "SJ" (Statens Järnvägar) to develop and manage the railroad network.
The early 20th century saw an electrification breakthrough that increased the efficiency and speed of trains.
In 1967, SJ became a public corporation with more autonomy, but still under state control.
In the following decades, Sweden's rail network continued to develop, providing convenient and efficient passenger transportation.
Today, Swedish passenger railroads continue to improve and introduce new technologies to enhance the travel experience.
General Information and Statistics
The main operator of passenger trains is traditionally the state-owned company SJ AB. SJ made 31.8 million trips during 2018.
There are 15,006 kilometres of railway lines in Sweden. There are over 1,400 train stations in Sweden.
8,100 kilometers of track electrified (54%).
What connections to other countries there are.
There are frequent train services to all neighbouring countries including the Norway, Denmark.
Are trains fast in Sweden in general? How much time to cross the country?
The SJ high-speed trains are purpose built to fit the existing railways tracks in Sweden. The unique tilting system enables these modern trains to travel at speeds of up to 200 kilometres per hour. These trains are renowned for their high quality service and all trains as standard have comfortable seating, a good selection of food and drinks available and access to WiFi.
The journey from Trelleborg to Riksgränsen takes 25:54 hours and from Stockholm to Strömstad 5:55 hours.
What railway companies are available?
Sweden's rail network covers swathes of the country, all served by different rail companies: Sweden's national rail company SJ, Snälltåget, Vy and Inlandsbanan operate nationally and internationally. MTRX and FlixTrain operate between Stockholm and Gothenburg.
What train types are available in Sweden
Passengers are offered to use high-speed, intercity, regional, and night trains as well. SJ trains provide all onboard amenities you might need during your trip including several travel classes.
Are there high-speed-trains available?
SJ high-speed trains are designed specifically for the existing railroad tracks in Sweden. A unique tilting system allows these modern trains to travel at speeds of up to 200 km/h. Routes run as far north as Umeå and lead to the bustling cities of Gothenburg and Malmö, the capital Stockholm and even Copenhagen (Denmark) across the Öresund Bridge - there is no better way to explore the vast Swedish countryside than with a comfortable SJ train.
Most important train stations / hubs.
The main railway hubs in Sweden are Stockholm, Gothenburg, Malmö, Uppsala, Lund, Linköping, Helsingborg, Jönköping, Örebro, Norrköping.
Websites to buy train tickets for Sweden?
https://www.sj.se/en/kop-resa, omio.com, resrobot.se
Mobile apps to buy train tickets in Sweden?
SJ app, resrobot app, MTR Express app.
Possible to buy a ticket at a railway station in Sweden?
When traveling by SJ train, you need to buy a train ticket in advance.
In addition to buying on the official website and app, you can also buy train tickets here:
SJ ticket machine
By phone or chat
Travel agency
On the train (only Tåg i Bergslagen)
Can I buy my ticket by phone?
Yes, the traveler has the option to purchase tickets over the phone and via live chat on the official website.
Return the ticket.
You can cancel your ticket on the website, and in the app.
If you have a refundable ticket, the refund will be made to the same account you used to purchase the ticket.
Train ticket prices
RJ has refundable, rebookable, and tickets where nothing can be changed, they are the cheapest. It is better to buy tickets in advance. Ticket prices vary depending on the distance, a beverage train from Stockholm to Malmo will cost from 29.99 €.
Cheapest train to the closest nearby country?
A ticket from Stockholm to Oslo costs 60.4 € and from Stockholm to Copenhagen only 30 €.
Where to find timetables.
Find train schedules on https://www.sj.se/en/#/, https://tagtidtabeller.resrobot.se/
Buying tickets in advance or right before the train
For international trips it is recommended to book early, seats may sell out a few days before the flight - reservations open 3 months in advance.
If you are travelling within a region on local trains, you do not need to buy your ticket in advance.
Types of tickets.
The same three types of ticket are offered regardless of which travel class has been selected.
Non-Rebookable: Can't be refunded or exchanged.
Rebookable: Can be exchanged to a different departure or in the event of a trip cancellation, the price paid can be used as a credit valid for booking a different ticket for up to 180 days.
Refundable: Can be fully refunded or exchanged.
Interrail/Eurail Passes in Sweden
The Eurail and Interrail Pass is available for Sweden.
The best option is to buy your Eurail or Interrail Pass on the official website.
Saver price.
SJ doesn't assign names to the types of tickets such as Advance or Premier, instead their differentiated by their core terms and conditions, with the greater flexibility having a higher price.
Non-Rebookable ticket-not refundable or exchangeable-will be the cheapest option to purchase.
Is it cheaper to buy round-trip?
Buy single tickets, not return tickets. This will give you more flexibility if you need to change your travel plans. It is not cheaper to buy return tickets.
Flexible tickets.
SJ does not have flexible tickets, tickets must be booked for the train you want to travel on.
Rules of boarding.
In addition to your train ticket, you will need an identity card or passport to prove your identity.
Discounts for group travel.
SJ offer much more than just a comfortable and eco-friendly journey. help with transfers to and from the train, find you seats on board and provide you with delicious food.
Valid for groups of at least 10 adults, young adults or students. Group travel prices may be higher than individual tickets, but more flexible terms and conditions are offered.
Age groups and discounts.
You may bring children 0-1 years old for free both in 1 and 2 class if the child sits in your lap during the journey. When travelling with night trains children up to 6 years old may share a bed with another traveller.
If you are traveling with children, a discount can be given to two children under the age of 15 when booking each adult ticket.
However, please note that different conditions apply for children's tickets depending on the train.
SJ’s senior discount is 10 % of the adult ticket price. You travel as a senior if you are 65 years old or older. You may use the discount if you have pension certificate from Pensionsmyndigheten or Försäkringskassan.
As a senior or retired you may also buy our discounted Last minute tickets which is available 24 hours before the departure
As a student or youth traveler you always receive a 15% discount on SJ trains. Youth is defined as being under 25 years of age.
You can also purchase a last-minute ticket (Sista minuten), which is sold 24 hours before train departure.
Age limitations for minors.
Children from the age of 7 can travel independently if they can handle it.
Handicapped passengers.
If a person has a disability that makes them need help getting on and off the train, you can order assistance. Assistance for disabled people is available at many stations at no extra cost.
You can book disability assistance by calling +46 771-75 75 75.
For assistance at stations, reservations must be made at least 24 hours before train departure.
Seat reservations in trains in Sweden.
• When traveling on Snabbtåg or IC trains, seat reservations are included in the ticket price when booking 1st or 2nd class tickets online or at stations.
If you book online or via the SJ app, the seat(s) will be assigned automatically.
If you are using a Snabbtåg train for your selected departure, you will be able to select specific seats from the seating plan.
If the IC train is used for your selected departure, you will be able to select the type of seat: window seat or aisle seat, etc.
• When traveling on Snabbtåg trains, rail pass users must pay for reserved seats before boarding, but this is not necessary when traveling on IC or Regional trains.
• Snabbtåg trains have "quiet cars", which are the same as second class cars, but no cell phones are allowed. They cost more than standard second class tickets, but they offer the same free meals as first class.
• If you are traveling on SJ Regional trains, seat reservations are free if you have 1st class and book 1st class tickets.
If you book 2nd class tickets on these trains, you can add the reservation to your booking for €4.35.
Comfort classes on the trains.
The high-speed SJ trains are one of the most popular and most used trains in Sweden. These modern trains feature plenty of modern amenities on their two different travel classes, Business Class (1st Class) and Economy Class (2nd Class).
Most of our trains have business class. The difference between 1st class and 2nd class depends on the type of train you are traveling on.
For example, 1st class on our high speed trains includes:
• breakfast if you depart before 09:00 am.
• Wider seats and more legroom
• Coffee, tea, water and fruit
• +Possibility to pre-order meals.
The SJ night trains offer three types of travel classes: 1st, 2nd, and 2nd class bunks. On a 1st class sleeping compartment, there are only two ready-made beds and a private bathroom. It's a private compartment, and no one else can be booked there. While the 2nd class sleeping compartment houses three ready-made beds, and passengers are allowed to choose between ladies and gents compartments. And lastly, the 2nd class bunk in a couchette contains six bunks, and WCs are in the corridor. Passengers can choose between ladies, gents, and mixed compartments.
Food and drink in trains / train restaurant in Sweden.
• Meals on high-speed and IC trains
If you book your ticket more than 24 hours in advance, you have the option to pre-order your meal. If you are traveling 1st class, the meal will be served at your seat. If you are traveling 2nd class, the food is available at the bistro.If you are traveling 1st class, breakfast is included on trains departing before 09:00. If you are traveling 2nd class, you can pre-order breakfast from the bistro.
• Meals on night trains
Night trains to/from Jämtland and Umeå have an on-board bistro with the same selection of meals as day trains. The bistro is usually open from 06:30 to 23:00. There is no bistro on the night train to/from Malmö.
When traveling in 1st class, breakfast is included in the fare. If you are traveling on an overnight train with a bistro, you can pick up your breakfast from the time the bistro opens until 09:00.
• Choice for children
When booking a trip on the SJ high-speed train, you can pre-order the children's menu. Pancakes with strawberry jam, meatballs with pasta and carrot sticks are available for children. When picking up your meal on board the train, you can choose Smakis juice or milk. If you pre-order the children's menu, a small children's book and a box of organic raisins are also included.
Night trains in Sweden?
Overnight travel in Sweden
Travel while you sleep and wake up refreshed. On overnight trains you can choose from a seated seat, a 6-seater couch or a sleeping compartment. Traveling on an overnight train is a sensible and comfortable way to travel. You will rush through the night countryside and arrive at your final destination just in time for breakfast.
Important train routes in Sweden.
Stockholm - Göteborg / from 3:02 hours / from 25.6 EUR / every hour (August 2023)
Stockholm - Kiruna / from 14:01 hours / from 85.8EUR / 4 trains a day (August 2023)
Stockholm - Malmö/ from 4:26 hours / from 29.9 EUR / every 1-2 hours (August 2023)
Stockholm - Sundsval/ from 3:31 hours / from 21.4 EUR / every 1-2 hours (August 2023)
Stockholm - Linköping / from 1:36 hours / from 9.90 EUR / every 30 minutes to an hour (August 2023).
International train routes.
There are direct trips to Denmark and Norway. There are also night trains to Germany.
Tourist / scenic routes in Sweden.
• Beyond the Arctic Circle – Sweden’s epic train journeys
To experience Sweden’s nature at its most impressive and remote, journey north and take the train beyond the Arctic Circle. Two classic train routes serving these far-flung parts include the year-round Stockholm-Luleå-Narvik sleeper train – fondly dubbed the Arctic Circle train – and the Inlandsbanan line, a rural railway that traverses through Sweden’s inland. Covering the distance from Mora in middle Sweden to Gällivare in Swedish Lapland, Inlandsbanan joins the historic Iron Ore line (Malmbanan) that continues to Kiruna and Abisko.
• Inlandsbanan – Sweden’s backcountry rail route in summer
Inlandsbanan offers a unique way to discover Sweden’s backcountry – a 1,200-kilometre long route past stunning nature and picturesque towns, all great starting points for hiking and kayaking holidays. Buy Inlandbanan’s 14-day pass if you don’t already have a Eurail or Interrail pass, and you’ll be free to make your own itinerary. Inlandsbanan also offers package rail holidays that include overnight hotel stays and sightseeing stopovers.
Keep an eye out for Inlandbanan’s once-a-year heritage railway tour on the Wilderness Train (Vildmarkståget), a seven-day round trip from Stockholm to Örnsköldsvik via Kiruna, Gällivare and Narvik, Norway. Travel in vintage carriages from the 1940s-1960s, with meals served in a white-tablecloth dining carriage.
• Lake views on the Huskvarna - Jönköping - Bankerid route
One of Sweden's most scenic and beloved rail routes is the Huskvarna - Jönköping - Bankerid route in Småland. It runs along the local Jönköpingsbanan railway line and is only 17 minutes long, but features gorgeous scenery. Perched on the shore of Lake Vättern, this delightful train offers uninterrupted, tranquil views of the water, so don't miss it if you find yourself in Jönköping, one of Sweden's hidden gems that is worth a visit in itself. Coming from Gothenburg? Take the two-hour train to Huskvarna to join this charming itinerary.
Luggage information.
Each person may take a maximum of two bags (maximum dimensions 80x50x35 cm, maximum weight 20 kg per bag) and one piece of small hand baggage. In addition to the above, you may take one piece of special luggage with you.
Bicycle on the train.
A bicycle can be taken on the train if it is foldable or if it can be disassembled and packed in a bicycle bag (not more than 140*85*30 cm and 25 kg).
The bicycle bag must be placed on a free place on the floor as instructed by the on-board personnel.
Ski or snowboard on the train.
Ski and golf equipment can be brought along, it must be stowed in a bag and placed so that it cannot fall off.
Luggage lockers on the stations in Sweden.
Stockholm Central Station: At this station, lockers are available from 9am to 6:30pm. Small lockers cost €5.2 for 4 hours and €6.0 for 24 hours, while large lockers cost €6.95 for 4 hours and €7.80 for 24 hours. The storage located in the lower hall is available for a maximum of seven days.
Lost and Found Items.
SJ's supplier of lost and found is Sodexo. If you have lost something on SJ trains, we recommend that you use their online form to register your lost item. (https://lostandfound.sodexo.se/en/registrer-lost-items/).
Pets on the trains.
On trains of the national train operator SJ you can take up to two dogs on board at no extra charge, but on Snabbtag and IC express trains you and your dog(s) must travel in special seats on the train, which must be booked in advance.
These seats are second class, you cannot travel with dogs in first class on any SJ train.
However, if you need more space because your pets are large, you can purchase a ticket at a price equivalent to the youth fare.
select city
Do you have further questions and need assistance? Do not hesitate to ask in our friendly forum where you always get detailed help.
